TWI668632B - Control Method - Google Patents

Abstract

A control method includes issuing a first detection command and a first identification number to a first slave device; receiving a first reply message generated by the first slave device to learn a first message stored by the first slave device A function number; determine whether the first slave device is in series with a second slave device; when the first slave device is not in series with the second slave device, the master device performs a first specific action or command according to the first function number The first slave device performs a first specific action; and when the first slave device is serially connected to the second slave device, the master device sends a second detection command and a second identification number to the second slave device and receives the second A second reply message generated by the slave device.

Description

Control Method

The invention relates to a control method, in particular to a control method suitable for a master control device and a slave device.

With the advancement of technology, there are more and more types and functions of electronic devices. In order to reduce the volume of the electronic device, the general electronic device only has a single port. Therefore, the electronic device can only communicate with a single external device. When the electronic device wants to connect multiple external devices, it needs to use a hub to indirectly connect the multiple external devices.

The invention provides a control method, which is suitable for a main control device. The master control device is coupled to a first slave device. The control method of the present invention includes issuing a first detection command and a first identification number to the first slave device; receiving a first reply message generated by the first slave device to learn the stored information of the first slave device A first function number; determine whether the first slave device is connected to a second slave device; when the first slave device is not connected to the second slave device, the master device performs a first specific action according to the first function number, or Is to instruct the first slave device to perform the first specific action; and when the first slave device is serially connected to the second slave device, the master device sends a second detection command and a second identification number to the second slave device and receives A second reply message generated by the second slave device to obtain Know a second function number stored in the second slave device.

The invention also provides a control method suitable for a first slave device, which is coupled to a master control device. The control method of the present invention includes: receiving a detection command and an identification number; determining whether a second slave device exists, wherein when the second slave device exists, the first slave device ignores the command issued by the master device, and Provide a control signal to the second slave device; and provide a first reply message to the master device.

The control method of the present invention can be implemented by the operating system of the present invention, which is hardware or firmware that can perform specific functions, and can also be included in a recording medium through program code and combined with specific hardware to implement . When the program code is loaded and executed by an electronic device, processor, computer, or machine, the electronic device, processor, computer, or machine becomes a device or system for implementing the present invention.

100‧‧‧operating system

MS‧‧‧Master control device

SL ₁ ~ SL _N ‧‧‧slave device

SC ₁ ~ SC _N ‧‧‧Control signal

WR1 ~ WR3‧‧‧Wire

INT‧‧‧ instruction

RS ₁ ~ RS _N ‧‧‧Reply message

VDD, GND‧‧‧operating voltage

ID1 ~ ID3‧‧‧Identification number

CMD1 ~ CMD3‧‧‧Detection command

T _S1 ‧‧‧ Starting period

T _C ‧‧‧ Order period

T _Q ‧‧‧ distribution period

T _S2 , T _S3 ‧‧‧ ending period

T _R ‧‧‧ Reply period

511,522,532,542 ‧‧‧ control chip

512, 521, 523, 531, 533, 541, 543

A1 ~ A3, B1 ~ B3, C1 ~ C3, D1 ~ D3, E1 ~ E3‧‧‧I / O pad

S211 ~ S214, S221 ~ S224, S231 ~ S234, S240, S311 ~ S314

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the operating system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of the control method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is another schematic flowchart of the control method of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a possible control timing chart of the operating system of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of the detection command, identification number and reply message of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the master device and the slave device of the present invention.

In order to make the purpose, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, In the following, the embodiments are specifically cited and described in detail in conjunction with the attached drawings. The description of the present invention provides different examples to illustrate the technical features of different embodiments of the present invention. Among them, the configuration of each element in the embodiment is for illustrative purposes, not for limiting the present invention. In addition, the overlapping of the reference numerals in the embodiments is to simplify the description, and does not mean the correlation between different embodiments.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the operating system of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the operating system 100 includes a master device MS and slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _N. The master device MS and the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _{N are} cascaded together. In this embodiment, the master device MS issues a command INT to a specific slave device through a single wire WR1. The specific slave device operates according to the command INT. In one possible embodiment, the slave device SL ₁ ~ SL _N according to an instruction INT, generating the response message RS ₁ ~ RS _N, and to provide reply message RS via wire WR1 ₁ ~ RS _N I master device MS. In this example, the master device MS may act according to the reply message from the slave device.

In a possible embodiment, each of the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _N receives a control signal. When the control signal is enabled, the corresponding slave device reads the command INT. For example, when the master device MS enables the control signal SC ₁ , the slave device SL ₁ reads the command INT. At this time, since the control signals SC ₂ ˜SC _{N are} not enabled, the slave devices SL ₂ ˜SL _N do not read the command INT. Likewise, when the slave device SL ₁ enables the control signal SC ₂ , the slave device SL ₂ reads the command INT. At this time, the master control device MS may not enable the control signal SC ₁ . Therefore, the slave device SL ₁ no longer reads the command INT. In another possible embodiment, the master device MS still enables the control signal SC ₁ , so the slave device SL ₁ reads the command INT. In this example, the slave device SL ₁ determines the type of command INT. When the command INT is a detection command, the slave device SL ₁ temporarily does not operate.

The slave devices SL ₁ to SL _{N operate} according to different commands INT. In a possible embodiment, the command INT is a detection command, used to assign different identification numbers to different slave devices, and requires the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _{N to} report the built-in function number. In this example, the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _N store the identification number provided by the master device MS, and generate reply messages RS ₁ ˜RS _N to the master device MS according to the function number stored in them. The master device MS may perform the action corresponding to each function number, or instruct at least one specific slave device to perform the action corresponding to its own function number.

Taking the slave devices SL ₁ to SL ₃ as an example, if the function number of the slave device SL ₁ corresponds to a light-emitting action, the function number of the slave device SL ₂ corresponds to a music playing action, and the function number of the slave device SL ₃ corresponds to a Shaking action. In this example, the master control device MS may perform the function numbers of the slave devices SL ₁ -SL ₃ in order to perform the light-emitting action, music play action, and vibration action in sequence. In another possible embodiment, the slave devices SL ₁ and SL ₃ have the same function number. It is assumed that the function numbers of the slave devices SL ₁ and SL ₃ correspond to a light-emitting action. In this example, the main control device MS may perform the light-emitting action first, then play music, and finally perform the light-emitting action again. In other embodiments, the master device MS commands the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _{3 to} perform the functions corresponding to the built-in function numbers. For example, the slave device SL ₁ performs a light-emitting action, the slave device SL ₂ plays music, and the slave device SL ₃ performs a vibration action.

In another possible embodiment, the command INT is a detection end command to notify the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _{N that the} detection action has ended. For example, after the slave device SL ₁ generates a reply message RS ₁ to the master device MS, the slave device SL _{1 does} not temporarily act according to the command INT. However, when the command INT is a detection end command, the slave device SL ₁ starts to act according to the command INT, such as performing the work assigned by the master device MS or performing the action corresponding to the function number stored in itself.

In some embodiments, the command INT is an inquiry command for inquiring the current connection status of the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _N. In this example, the slave device whose connection status has not changed will not generate a reply message to the master device MS. For example, when the slave device from the slave SL ₃ SL _2, the slave SL ₂ RS ₂ to inform the master device MS via a response message. Therefore, the master device MS no longer performs the action corresponding to the function number of the slave device SL ₃ . In this example, since the connection state of the slave device SL ₁ has not changed, the slave device SL ₁ does not respond to the command INT.

In addition, it is assumed that the master device MS is coupled to the slave device SL ₁ , and the slave device SL _{1 is} serially connected to the slave device SL ₂ . In this embodiment, when the slave device is connected slave SL SL _{2. 3,} since the connection state of the slave SL ₂ is changed, so that the slave SL ₂ inform the RS ₂ via the master device MS replies. Therefore, the master device MS assigns an identification number to the slave device SL ₃ and detects the function number of the slave device SL ₃ . In this example, the MS may perform a master slave apparatus SL function number ₃ corresponding to the action or command the slave SL ₃ itself performs the function corresponding to the operation number.

In other embodiments, when a trigger event occurs in the slave device SL ₂ , the slave device SL ₂ informs the master device MS. Therefore, the master device MS performs the action corresponding to the trigger event, or commands the slave device SL _{2 to} perform the action corresponding to the trigger event.

The master device MS may supply power to the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _N. As shown, the master device MS provides an operating voltage through a wire WR2 VDD to the slave SL ₁ ~ SL _N, and WR3 to provide an operating voltage through a GND wire slave I SL ₁ ~ SL _N. In some embodiments, the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _N each have a battery (not shown). In this example, the master device MS does not need to supply power to the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _N , so the wires WR2 and WR3 can be omitted.

FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of the control method of the present invention. The control method of FIG. 2 is applied to the main control device MS of FIG. 1. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the master device MS in FIG. 1 is connected in series with three slave devices (such as SL ₁ ~ SL ₃ ).

First, the main control device MS issues a first command and a first identification number (step S211). In this embodiment, the first command is a detection command for setting the identification number of a specific slave device and requesting the specific slave device to output the built-in function number. In a possible embodiment, before the main control device MS issues the first command, the main control device MS first enables the control signal SC ₁ . Therefore, the slave device SL ₁ operates according to the first command. In this example, the slave device SL ₁ stores the first identification number, and generates a reply message RS ₁ according to its own function number. Since the control signals SC ₂ and SC _{3 are} not enabled, the slave devices SL ₂ and SL ₃ temporarily do not operate according to the first command.

Next, the master device MS receives the slave SL ₁ reply message generated in RS ₁ (step S212). Since the slave SL ₁ is generated according to its own function ID reply message RS _1, it means the master MS decodes the reply message after ₁ RS, SL will be aware of the slave function numbers _1. In some embodiments, after the slave device SL ₁ responds to the built-in function number, the slave device SL ₁ no longer acts according to the command issued by the master device MS until the command issued by the master device MS is a detection Test end instruction. In a possible embodiment, the slave device SL ₁ receives and decodes the command issued by the master device MS to determine whether the command issued by the master device MS is a detection command. If so, the slave device SL ₁ ignores the command issued by the master device MS. If the command issued by the master device MS is not a detection command, the slave device SL ₁ operates according to the command issued by the master device MS. In addition, when the slave device SL ₁ learns of the existence of the slave device SL ₂ , the slave device SL ₁ enables the control signal SC ₂ to instruct the slave device SL ₂ to operate according to an instruction issued by the master device MS.

The master device MS judges whether the slave device SL ₁ is connected in series to the slave device SL ₂ (step S213). The present invention does not limit how the master device MS determines whether the slave device SL ₁ is connected in series with the slave device SL ₂ . In a possible embodiment, the master device MS knows whether the slave device SL ₁ is coupled to the slave device SL ₂ according to the value of a specific bit of the reply message RS ₁ . For example, when the slave device SL _{2 is} serially connected to the slave device SL ₁ , the slave device SL ₁ sets the value of the specific bit equal to a first value (eg, 1). When the slave device SL _{2 is} not connected to the slave device SL ₁ , the slave device SL ₁ sets the value of the specific bit equal to a second value (eg, 0). Therefore, as long as the master device MS judges whether the value of the specific bit is equal to a predetermined value (such as 1), it can know whether the slave device SL ₂ is coupled to the slave device SL ₁ .

When the slave device SL _{2 is} not serially connected to the slave device SL ₁ , the master device MS operates according to the reply message RS ₁ (step S214). In a possible embodiment, the master device MS decodes the reply message RS ₁ to know the function number of the slave device SL ₁ , and then executes a specific action corresponding to the function number, or commands the slave device SL _{1 to} execute the The specific action corresponding to the function number.

For example, if the function number reported by the slave device SL ₁ represents a light-emitting action, then in step S214, the master device MS performs the light-emitting action. In another possible embodiment, the master device MS requires the slave device SL _{1 to} perform a light-emitting action. In this example, the master device MS first issues a detection end command to command the slave device SL _{1 to} prepare to act according to the command INT. Therefore, when the master device MS issues a control command, the slave device SL ₁ starts to emit light. In other embodiments, the master device MS and the slave device SL ₁ simultaneously perform a light-emitting action. In some embodiments, the master device MS may be a locomotive, and the slave device SL _{1 may} be a car. If the function number reported by the slave device SL ₁ represents a forward action, the master device MS advances with the slave device SL ₁ .

When the slave device SL _{2 is} serially connected to the slave device SL ₁ , the master device MS continues to detect the function number of the slave device SL ₂ (step S221). In this embodiment, the main control device MS issues a second command and a second identification number. The second command is a detection command. Therefore, the slave device SL ₂ stores the second identification number and generates a reply message RS ₂ according to the built-in function number.

Then, the master device MS receives the reply message RS ₂ (step S222). The master device MS knows the function number of the slave device SL ₂ based on the reply message RS ₂ . In some embodiments, after the slave device SL ₂ provides the reply message RS ₂ to the master device MS, the slave device SL ₂ no longer acts according to the command issued by the master device MS until the command issued by the master device MS is It is a detection end command. Since the operation of the slave SL ₂ and SL operation of _a slave device are similar, and therefore will not be repeated.

Next, the master device MS determines whether the slave device SL ₂ is connected in series to the slave device SL ₃ (step S223). The present invention does not limit how the master device MS determines whether the slave device SL ₂ is connected in series with the slave device SL ₃ . In a possible embodiment, the master device MS knows whether the slave device SL ₂ is coupled to the slave device SL ₃ according to the value of a specific bit of the reply message RS ₂ .

When the slave device SL _{2 is} not connected to the slave device SL ₃ , the master device MS operates according to the reply messages RS ₁ and RS ₂ (step S224). In a possible embodiment, the master device MS performs a first action (such as lighting) corresponding to the function number of the slave device SL ₁ and a second action (playing music) corresponding to the function number of the slave device SL ₂ . In another possible embodiment, the master device MS commands the slave device SL _{1 to} perform a first action (such as lighting) corresponding to the built-in function number and commands the slave device SL _{2 to} execute the corresponding built-in function number A second action (play music). In this example, the master device MS first issues a detection end command to command the slave devices SL ₁ and SL ₂ to act according to the command INT. In some embodiments, the master device MS is a locomotive, and the slave devices SL ₁ and SL ₂ are both cars. In this example, if the function number of the slave device SL ₁ represents a forward motion and the function number of the slave device SL ₂ represents a right-turn motion, the master device MS advances along with the slave devices SL ₁ and SL ₂ Turn right again.

When the slave device SL _{2 is} serially connected to the slave device SL ₃ , the master device MS issues a third command and a third identification number to the slave device SL ₃ (step S231). In this embodiment, the third command is still a detection command. In a possible embodiment, before step S231, the slave device SL ₂ enables the control signal SC ₃ to command the slave device SL ₃ to prepare to receive the third instruction. In other embodiments, since the slave devices SL ₁ and SL ₂ have reported their own function numbers, when the master device MS issues the third command, the slave devices SL ₁ and SL ₂ do not act according to the third command.

Next, the master device MS receives the reply message the slave SL ₃ generated RS ₃ (step S232). Based on the reply message RS ₃ , the master device MS can know the function number of the slave device SL ₃ . In some embodiments, after the slave device SL ₃ provides the reply message RS ₃ to the master device MS, the slave device SL ₃ no longer operates according to the command INT issued by the master device MS until the command issued by the master device MS INT is a detection end command. Since the operation of the slave SL ₃ and SL operation of _a slave device are similar, and therefore will not be repeated.

Next, the master device MS determines whether the slave device SL ₃ is connected in series to the slave device SL ₄ (step S233). The present invention does not limit how the master device MS determines whether the slave device SL ₃ is serially connected to the slave device SL ₄ . In a possible embodiment, the master device MS knows whether the slave device SL ₃ is coupled to the slave device SL ₄ according to the value of a specific bit of the reply message RS ₃ .

When the slave device SL _{3 is} not serially connected to the slave device SL ₄ , the master device MS operates according to the reply messages RS ₁ to RS ₃ (step S234). In a possible embodiment, the master device MS performs three actions according to the function numbers of the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL ₃ . For example, if the function number of the slave device SL ₁ represents a light-emitting action, the function number of the slave device SL ₂ represents a music playing action, and the function number of the slave device SL ₃ represents a vibration action, then in step S214, the master The control device MS executes light emission, music playback and vibration actions sequentially or simultaneously. In other embodiments, the master device MS requires the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL ₃ to perform light-emitting, music playing, and vibration actions, respectively. In some embodiments, if the function number of the slave device SL ₁ represents a forward motion, the function number of the slave device SL ₂ represents a right-turn motion, and the function number of the slave device SL ₃ represents a left-turn motion, Then the master device MS advances with the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL ₃ , turns right and then turns left. In other embodiments, the master device MS first issues a detection end command to command the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL ₃ to act according to the command INT.

When the slave SL _{SL. 3} is coupled to the slave ₄ when the master device MS continues to send a fourth instruction, for setting the identification number of the slave SL ₄ and SL detecting slave function number (Step S240) _4. Since the way in which the slave device SL ₄ reports the function number is similar to the way in which the slave device SL ₁ reports the function number, it will not be repeated here. In addition, the manner in which the master control device MS controls the slave device SL ₄ is similar to the manner in which the master control device MS controls the slave device SL ₁ and will not be described in detail.

After each slave device stores a unique identification number and informs itself of the built-in function number, the master device MS starts to perform a specific action. The specific action may be that the master device MS performs the action corresponding to the function number of each slave device, or the master device MS requires at least one specific slave device to perform the action corresponding to the built-in function number. In another possible embodiment, the master device MS first issues a detection end command, and then commands each slave device to perform the action corresponding to its own function number.

In other embodiments, the master device MS sends out an inquiry command every fixed time to inquire about the status of the slave device, such as the slave device is removed, the slave device is added, or a trigger event occurs. Assume that the master device MS is serially connected to the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL ₃ . In this example, if the slave device SL _{4 is} connected to the slave device SL ₃ , the slave device SL ₃ provides a reply message RS ₃ to the master device MS. In a possible embodiment, the plural first digits in the reply message RS ₃ sent by the slave device SL ₃ are used to indicate the identification number of the slave device SL ₃ , and the plural second digits in the reply message RS ₃ are used to indicate Add a slave device. Therefore, the master device MS identification number setting slave SL ₄ and SL detecting slave function number _4.

In other embodiments, the slave when the slave SL SL ₂ is no longer _{connected. 3,} since the connection state of the slave SL ₂ is changed, so that the slave SL _{2 2} sends a reply to the RS message to the master device MS. In this embodiment, the slave SL reply message emitted by the RS _{2 2} bits in the plurality of the first number indicates the identification number of the slave SL _2, and the second bit value in the reply message of the RS ₂ complex representation subordinate Whether the device SL ₃ has been removed. Therefore, when the master device MS knows that the slave device SL ₃ is removed according to the value of the second bit in the reply message RS ₂ , the master device MS no longer performs the action corresponding to the function number of the slave device SL ₃ , Such as turning left.

In another possible embodiment, when a switch of the slave device SL ₁ is pressed, or when the user uses a remote control to trigger the function of the slave device SL ₁ (such as lighting), the slave device SL ₁ responds to the message RS ₁ Inform the master control device MS. The value of the master device MS reply message RS ₁ in the first plurality of bits, a triggering event that occurs in the slave SL _1, and according to the value of the second bit of the reply message RS ₁ in the complex, that a The extra function is activated. Therefore, the master device MS not only performs the actions corresponding to the function numbers of the slave devices SL ₁ ~ SL ₃ (such as forward, right turn, and left turn), the master device MS also performs the additional action, or requests the slave device SL ₁ Perform an additional action, such as glowing.

In other embodiments, the command INT is a control command used to command a specific slave device to perform the action corresponding to its own function number. For example, the master device MS may command the slave device SL _{2 to} play music. In this example, the master control device MS sends out a specific identification number. The slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL ₃ determine whether the identification code stored in the specific identification number is the same. Since the identification number of the slave device SL _{2 is} the same as the specific identification number, only the slave device SL ₂ will operate. In some embodiments, the master device MS may require multiple slave devices to perform the same action, such as lighting. In another possible embodiment, the master device MS can also control the color of the light emitted by the slave device through the command INT. For example, the master device MS may command the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL _{3 to} present red light, yellow light, and green light, respectively.

FIG. 3 is another schematic flowchart of the control method of the present invention. The control method of FIG. 3 is applied to each slave device of FIG. 1. For convenience of explanation, the following takes the slave device SL _{1 in} FIG. ₁ as an example. First, the slave device SL ₁ receives an instruction INT (step S311). In this embodiment, the instruction INT is a detection instruction. The slave device SL ₁ stores an identification number according to the command INT, and generates a reply message RS ₁ according to the built-in function number. In a possible embodiment, the command INT is provided by the master control device MS.

The slave device SL ₁ determines whether the slave device SL ₂ exists (step S312). The present invention does not limit how the slave device SL ₁ determines whether the slave device SL ₂ exists. In a possible embodiment, when the slave device SL _{2 is} coupled to the slave device SL ₁ , the level of a specific pin of the slave device SL ₁ will change. Therefore, the slave device SL ₁ can know whether the slave device SL ₂ exists according to the level of the specific pin.

When the slave device SL _{2 is} serially connected to the slave device SL ₁ , the slave device SL ₁ enables the control signal SC ₂ to instruct the slave device SL _{2 to} prepare to receive the command INT (step S313). The slave device SL ₁ provides a reply message RS ₁ to the master device MS (step S314). The present invention does not limit the order of steps S313 and S314. Step S313 may be earlier than step S314, or later than step S314. The master device MS knows the function number of the slave device SL ₁ based on the reply message RS ₁ .

In one possible embodiment, the master device MS RS value of a specific bit _according reply message, the slave device that the slave device connected in series whether SL ₂ SL _1. When the slave device SL _{2 is} serially connected to the slave device SL ₁ , the master device MS issues the command INT again. The slave device SL ₂ stores the identification number assigned by the master device MS according to the instruction INT, and informs the master device MS to provide a reply message RS ₂ according to the built-in function number. Since the slave device SL ₁ has provided the reply message RS ₁ , the slave device SL ₁ does not act according to the command INT until the command INT is a detection end command. In this example, the slave device SL ₁ still receives the command INT issued by the master device MS to determine whether the command INT is a detection end command. When the command INT is not a detection end command, the slave device SL ₁ does not act according to the command INT. When the command INT is a detection end command, the slave device SL ₁ operates according to the command INT.

In step S312, when the slave device SL _{2 is} not serially connected to the slave device SL ₁ , the slave device SL ₁ sends a reply message RS ₁ to the master device MS (step S314). When the master device MS learns from the reply message RS ₁ that the slave device SL _{2 is} not connected to the slave device SL ₁ , the master device MS only operates according to the function number of the slave device SL ₁ . In other embodiments, when multiple slave devices are connected in series, the master device MS performs corresponding actions according to the function numbers reported by the different slave devices.

In other embodiments, when the slave device SL ₁ receives an inquiry command, the slave device SL ₁ determines whether a trigger event occurs. The triggering event may be that a key of the slave device SL ₁ is pressed, or the slave device SL ₁ is triggered by a remote controller. When a trigger event occurs, the slave SL ₁ RS ₁ MS to inform the master device using the reply message. The master device MS performs a specific action according to the reply message RS ₁ , or commands the slave device SL _{1 to} perform the specific action. For example, when the key of the slave device SL ₁ is pressed, the master device MS performs the action corresponding to the key (such as a light-emitting action), or requests the slave device SL _{1 to} perform the action corresponding to the key.

FIG. 4A is a possible control timing chart of the operating system of the present invention. In this example, when the slave devices SL ₁ -SL _{3 are} connected in series, the master device MS provides the detection commands CMD1-CMD3. The detection commands CMD1 ~ CMD3 are used to assign identification numbers to the slave devices SL ₁ ~ SL ₃ and detect the function numbers of the slave devices SL ₁ ~ SL ₃ .

In order to detect the function number of the slave device SL ₁ , the master device MS enables the control signal SC ₁ to command the slave device SL _{1 to} prepare to receive the detection command CMD1. In this embodiment, when the control signal SC ₁ is at a low level, it means that the control signal SC ₁ is enabled, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. In another possible embodiment, when the control signal SC ₁ is at a high level, it indicates that the control signal SC ₁ is enabled. In other embodiments, when the control signal SC of _a frequency or duty cycle (duty cycle) conforms to a predetermined value, a control signal SC ₁ is enabled.

Since the control signal SC ₁ is at a low level, the slave device SL ₁ receives and stores an identification number ID1 (eg 01) according to the detection command CMD1, and generates a reply message RS ₁ according to the function number (eg A) stored therein To the master control device MS. In a possible embodiment, the function number is stored in the slave device SL ₁ in advance. In other embodiments, when the slave _{device. 1} found SL SL ₂ of the slave device, the slave _{SL. 1} RS ₁ using the reply message the MS to inform the master device, and enabling a control signal SC _2, a command to the slave device SL ₂ Prepare to receive the detection command CMD2. In this example, since the slave device SL ₁ has responded to the detection command CMD1, the slave device SL ₁ no longer operates according to the detection commands CMD2 and CMD3. However, when the master device MS issues a detection end command, the slave device SL ₁ starts to act according to the command on the wire WR1.

The master device MS knows the existence of the slave device SL ₂ according to the reply message RS ₁ , so the master device MS issues a detection command CMD2. Since the slave device SL ₁ enables the control signal SC ₂ , the slave device SL ₂ records the identification number ID2 (eg 02) according to the detection command CMD2 and generates a reply message RS ₂ according to the function number (eg B) in its own memory Master control device MS.

Since the slave SL ₃ series slave SL _2, so that the slave SL ₂ RS ₂ through the MS to inform the master device reply to the message, and enabling the control signal SC _3. The master device MS knows the existence of the slave device SL ₃ based on the reply message RS ₂ . Therefore, the main control device MS issues a detection command CMD3. The slave device SL ₃ stores the identification number ID3 (eg 03) according to the detection command CMD3, and generates a reply message RS ₃ to the master device MS according to the function number (eg A) in its own memory. At this time, since the slave device SL ₂ has notified its own function number, the slave device SL ₂ does not operate according to the detection command CMD3.

Since the slave device SL ₃ only serially connects the slave device SL ₂ and the master device MS has learned the function number of the slave device SL ₃ , the master device MS no longer issues a detection command. In a possible embodiment, the master device MS issues a detection end command to command the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL ₃ to act according to the command INT on the wire WR1.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of the detection command CMD1, the identification number ID1, and the reply message RS ₁ . As shown in the figure, the detection command CMD1, the identification number ID1 and the reply message RS ₁ are composed of complex pulses. By controlling the number of pulses and / or the duty cycle, different commands, identification numbers and reply messages can be formed.

In this embodiment, the detection command CMD1 includes a start period T _S1 , a command period T _C and an end period T _S2 . During the start period T _S1 and the end period T _S2 , the level of the wire WR1 is a low level, and the duration of the wire WR1 is a low level for a preset time. Therefore, the slave device SL ₁ operates according to the pulse in the command period T _C. In a possible embodiment, the slave device SL ₁ knows the type of the command INT according to the number of pulses or the duty cycle in the command period T _C.

The identification number ID1 includes an allocation period T _Q and an end period T _S3 . During the distribution period T _Q , the master control device MS sends out multiple pulses, which are used to represent an identification number. During the end period T _S3 , the level of the wire WR1 is a low level, and the duration of the wire WR1 is a low level for a preset time. Therefore, the slave device SL ₁ knows and stores an identification number based on the pulse in the allocation period T _Q.

After issuing the identification number ID1 master device MS, the MS waits a period of time the master device, the slave device and then receiving _a reply message SL of RS _1. In a possible embodiment, when the main control device MS waits for the reply message RS ₁ , the level of the wire WR1 is high. In other embodiments, before the end period T _S3 , the reply message RS ₁ is ready. Therefore, after the end period T _S3 , the slave device SL ₁ immediately provides the reply message RS ₁ . In this embodiment, during a reply period _TR , the slave device SL ₁ generates a plurality of pulses to the master device MS according to its own function number.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the master device and the slave device of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 5 only shows the slave devices SL ₁ ˜SL ₃ . As shown in the figure, the main control device MS has a control chip 511 and a connection interface 512. The control chip 511 outputs the control signal SC ₁ , the command INT, and the operating voltages VDD and GND through the connection interface 512.

The slave device SL ₁ includes a control chip 522 and connection interfaces 521 and 523. The connection interface 521 is used to couple the main control device MS. The connection interface 523 is used to couple the slave device SL ₂ . In this embodiment, the control chip 522 has input and output pads A1, B1, C1, D1, and E1. The input-output pad A1 is used to receive the control signal SC ₁ . The input / output pad B1 is used to receive the command INT and output a reply message RS ₁ . The input-output pad C1 is used to receive the operating voltage VDD. The input / output pad D1 is used to receive the operating voltage GND. The input / output pad E1 is used to output the control signal SC ₂ .

The slave device SL ₂ includes a control chip 532 and connection interfaces 531 and 533. The connection interface 531 is used to couple the slave device SL ₁ . The connection interface 533 is used to couple the slave device SL ₃ . Since the internal architecture of the slave SL ₂ and SL internal architecture of _a slave device are similar, and therefore will not be repeated.

The slave device SL ₃ includes a control chip 542 and connection interfaces 541 and 543. The connection interface 541 is used to couple the slave device SL ₂ . The connection interface 543 is used to couple the slave device of the next stage (such as SL ₄ ). Since the internal architecture of the slave SL ₃ and SL internal architecture of _a slave device are similar, and therefore will not be repeated.

The master device MS performs the corresponding action according to the function numbers of the slave devices connected in series. When the slave devices with different function numbers are connected in series, the master control device MS can generate different behaviors. Furthermore, the master control device MS only uses a single wire (such as WR1) to communicate with multiple serially connected slave devices, so the connection interface between the master control device MS and the slave devices can be simplified.

The method of the present invention, or a specific type or part thereof, may exist in the form of code. The program code may be stored on a physical medium, such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, or any other machine-readable (such as a computer-readable) storage medium, or it is not limited to an external form of computer program product. When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes a device for participating in the present invention. The code can also be transmitted through some transmission media, such as wire or cable, optical fiber, or any type of transmission. When the code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes Invented device. When used in general When the processing unit is implemented, the code combined with the processing unit provides a unique device that operates similar to the application of specific logic circuits.

Unless otherwise defined, all vocabulary (including technical and scientific vocabulary) herein belongs to the general understanding of those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. In addition, unless clearly stated, the definition of vocabulary in a general dictionary should be interpreted to be consistent with the meaning in articles in the related technical field, and should not be interpreted as an ideal state or an excessively formal voice.

Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone who has ordinary knowledge in the technical field can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. . For example, the system, device, or method in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by physical embodiments of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be subject to the scope defined in the appended patent application.

Claims (12)

A control method is suitable for a master control device. The master control device is coupled to a first slave device. The control method includes: issuing a first detection command and a first identification number to the first slave device; receiving the A first reply message generated by the first slave device to know a first function number stored by the first slave device; determine whether the first slave device is serially connected to a second slave device; when the first slave device When the device is not serially connected to the second slave device, the master device performs a first specific action according to the first function number, or commands the first slave device to perform the first specific action; and when the first slave device When the second slave device is connected in series, the master device sends a second detection command and a second identification number to the second slave device, and receives a second reply message generated by the second slave device for Learn a second function number stored in the second slave device. The control method as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein when the first slave device is serially connected to the second slave device, the master control device performs the first specific action according to the first function number, and according to the first The two function numbers perform a second specific action. The control method as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein when the first slave device is serially connected to the second slave device, the master device command requests the first slave device to perform the first specific action, and requires the The second slave device performs a second specific action. The control method as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the master device determines whether the first slave device is connected in series with the second slave device according to the value of a specific bit of the first reply message. The control method as described in item 4 of the patent application scope, wherein when the value of the specific bit is equal to a preset value, it means that the first slave device is connected in series with the second slave device, when the value of the specific bit is not When it is equal to the preset value, it means that the first slave device is not connected in series with the second slave device. The control method as described in item 5 of the patent application scope, wherein when the first slave device provides the first reply message to the master device, the first slave device does not act according to the second detection instruction. The control method as described in item 6 of the patent application scope, wherein when the second slave device is not connected to a third slave device and the master control device receives the second function number, the master control device issues a detection The stop command causes the first and second slave devices to act according to the command issued by the master control device. The control method described in item 7 of the patent application scope further includes: the master control device issues an inquiry command to inquire about the status of the first and second slave devices. The control method as described in item 8 of the patent application scope, wherein when a trigger event occurs on the first or second slave device, the master device performs a third specific action, or commands the first or second The two slave devices perform the third specific action. A control method is applicable to a first slave device. The first slave device is coupled to a master control device. The control method includes: receiving a detection command and an identification number; determining whether a second slave device exists, wherein When the second slave device exists, the first slave device ignores the command issued by the master device and provides a control signal to the second slave device; and provides a first reply message to the master device. The control method as described in item 10 of the patent application range, wherein when the first slave device receives a detection stop instruction, the first slave device acts according to the command issued by the master control device. The control method as described in item 11 of the patent application scope, wherein when the first slave device receives an inquiry command, the first slave device determines whether a trigger event occurs, and when the trigger event occurs, the first slave The device generates a second reply message, and the master device performs a specific action based on the second reply message, or instructs the first slave device to perform the specific action.